Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you adore the irresistible combination of nutty peanut butter and rich chocolate, then you are in for a treat with this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars deliver a perfect harmony of creamy, chewy, and slightly crunchy textures, making them a delightful snack or dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends, packing them for lunch, or simply indulging in a sweet moment alone, these cookie bars stand out as a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe makes the baking process straightforward and ensures each bite bursts with flavor. Every element plays an important role in building the perfect cookie bar texture and taste.

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds that smooth, nutty richness that defines the bars.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings moisture and creaminess for a tender crumb.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Offers just the right amount of sweetness and helps with browning.
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Infuses a slight molasses flavor and keeps the bars chewy.
• 2 large eggs: Binds all the ingredients together and provides structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together while keeping it soft.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, preventing the bars from being dense.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the nutty and chocolate notes.
• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter chips: Adds pockets of creamy peanut butter flavor with every bite.
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Brings melty, sweet chocolate goodness teaming up with the peanut butter.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This setup not only helps prevent sticking but makes for easy removal and clean slices once your bars are baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Getting this blend ready to go separately ensures an even distribution of rising agents and salt in the final dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and well combined. This creamy base lays the groundwork for a luscious cookie bar texture.

Step 4: Add Sugars

Gradually mix in the granulated and light brown sugars into the butter mixture. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and beautifully blended, which helps create a tender crumb with a touch of chewiness.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This step increases moisture and enriches the dough’s depth of flavor, ensuring every bite sings with warmth and sweetness.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the bars – you want to keep them soft and tender!

Step 7: Fold in Chips

Gently incorporate both the peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These chunks will melt slightly during baking, creating delightful pockets of gooey goodness that make these bars truly special.

Step 8: Press Dough into Pan

Evenly press the dough into your prepared baking pan. Using your hands or a spatula, make sure the surface is smooth and uniform to ensure even baking throughout.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. This timing locks in a chewy center with slightly crisp edges, the perfect texture for cookie bars.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then carefully lift them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and get ready to enjoy the wonderful flavor combination you just created!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

While these bars are delightful on their own, try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving to enhance the nutty and chocolate flavors. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious dessert experience. They also complement a cold glass of milk perfectly, making snack time feel like a cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter for parties or gatherings. You can layer them between parchment paper in a jar or tin for a lovely homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars for longer storage—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm the bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This revives the gooey texture of the chips and softens the bars beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind natural peanut butter has a thinner consistency and less sugar, which might slightly affect the texture and sweetness of your bars. Consider adjusting other ingredients accordingly.

Are these bars gluten-free?

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free by default. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free baking blend to make a gluten-free version.

Can I substitute peanut butter chips for something else?

Yes! If you want to switch it up, try white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts to add a different flavor or texture twist to the bars.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease your baking pan well with butter or non-stick spray as an alternative, but parchment paper makes removing the bars much easier and keeps the bottom from burning.

How long will these bars stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, these cookie bars usually stay fresh for about 5 days. Refrigeration may extend shelf life but can change the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe that combines the best of two beloved flavors in one easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple you’ll reach for time and again. So grab your ingredients and dive into making these scrumptious bars today—you won’t regret it!

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